Strategic Change Management Practices and Perfomance of Large Supermarkets in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The strategic change management practices adopted by organization may be a source of competitive advantage, which may help the organization in attaining and exceeding its desired performance. This study set to determine strategic change management practices and performance of large supermarkets in Nairobi County. The local studies reviewed focused on banks, government institutions and manufacturing organisations. Therefore our study sought to identify strategic management practices adopted by supermarkets in Nairobi County and their relationship to organizational performance. The study adopted a descriptive survey. The study population comprised of the four leading supermarkets within Nairobi County. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to senior level managers in the study organizations. Data was analysed using statistical packages on social sciences (SPSS). The study found that the large supermarkets in Nairobi have implemented change programs. The study results found that supermarkets had used different change management strategies with most using effective communication. It was also noted that the supermarkets had adopted different strategic change management practices with majority using private label brands. Majority of the supermarkets faced challenges in change management like incompatibility to organization structure, resistance to change, cultural diversity, inadequacy of funds and ineffective leadership. The study found that the strategic management practices affected performance to a great extent. The study concludes that supermarkets in Nairobi County face various challenges in change management which affects their performance. The study further concludes that strategic change management practices affect the performance of supermarkets in Nairobi County to a great extent. The study recommends that change process should involve the participation of all employees and establishment of a culture that supports change. The study recommends further research on the relationship between strategic change management and the performance of small super markets.